A method for aligning a cutter spindle of a granulator, particularly an underwater granulator, relative to a cutting plate includes rotationally driving the cutter spindle with a drive motor, measuring a force acting on the cutter spindle, generating a corresponding signal, and adjusting especially the angular alignment of the cutter spindle relative to the cutting plate as a function of the signal by pivoting the cutter spindle about at least two pivot axes which enclose an angle with each other A granulator, particularly an underwater granulator, for producing plastic granulate, has a cutting box and a cutter spindle, a cutter holder rotatably received in the cutting box, and a drive motor connected to the cutter spindle, and is configured to perform the aforedescribed method.